Need Assistance: 1971 Dodge Dart 318 – Throttle & Shift Linkage Setup

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M.Hayes4ya

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I’m working on reassembling the throttle pressure/kickdown linkage and the floor shifter/gear selector linkage on a 1971 Dodge Dart, 318 V8 with A904 automatic. The car is an A-body with fender tag verified as original 318/auto.
I have the original parts (linkage rods, brackets, springs, etc.), but I need help confirming what modifications the previous owner put together.
Throttle pressure/kickdown linkage
Any measurements or reference diagrams for the correct geometry on a 2-barrel setup.
Shift/gear selector linkage
How the floor shifter rod connects to the transmission lever and the frame bracket. (I think this is missing)
Photos of the setup thus far ive included (trans lever, carb linkage, floor shifter, rods/brackets)
I want to be sure I’m putting this back together the right way before making adjustments.
Any guidance, diagrams, or step-by-step instructions specific to a 1971 A-body Dart with 318 + A904 would be much appreciated! I know this is none the less a treasure hunt but im shooting for the stars here.
Thanks in advance,
Michael
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get thee over to mymopar.com and download a service manual for your car. the diagrams are in there and they should help with some ID and questions you've got.

btw, what shifter is that?
 

The first thing I see is, you need a sprAng in the front of the slot on the kickdown linkage to assure it returns to the pin in the carburetor. Not a gorilla spring, but just tight enough that it brings the linkage back to the pin every single time.
 
RustyRatRod said:
The first thing I see is, you need a sprAng in the front of the slot on the kickdown linkage to assure it returns to the pin in the carburetor. Not a gorilla spring, but just tight enough that it brings the linkage back to the pin every single time.
Click to expand...
He has one on the kickdown already though ??
 
This is the shift linkage used with a column selector
Good photo.
1757984287925.png
 
Headers on a 2bbl engine? You'd be better off with stock manifolds IMO. Looks like a different year engine too seeing that EGR valve. I'm not seeing an extension housing with the floor shift bosses to mount the bracket for a stock shifter, and it looks to be an aftermarket one on top of that. Was this car originally a column shift? With such a mismatch of parts, you're in for some modifying. As for the kickdown and throttle linkage, the throttle return spring(s) should connect on the stud by hooking over it between the clevis ears of the throttle cable. If you insist on two springs, get the style where one fits inside the other. On the front kickdown slide link, it should have a thin washer on both sides and a hairpin clip holding everything in place so nothing binds or slips sideways. Looks like your throttle cable is FUBAR. Get a new one.
 
cudamark said:
Headers on a 2bbl engine? You'd be better off with stock manifolds IMO. Looks like a different year engine too seeing that EGR valve. I'm not seeing an extension housing with the floor shift bosses to mount the bracket for a stock shifter, and it looks to be an aftermarket one on top of that. Was this car originally a column shift? With such a mismatch of parts, you're in for some modifying. As for the kickdown and throttle linkage, the throttle return spring(s) should connect on the stud by hooking over it between the clevis ears of the throttle cable. If you insist on two springs, get the style where one fits inside the other. On the front kickdown slide link, it should have a thin washer on both sides and a hairpin clip holding everything in place so nothing binds or slips sideways. Looks like your throttle cable is FUBAR. Get a new one.
Click to expand...
Your spot on. I've come to the conclusion the floor shifter was tied together with zip ties at one point. Im gonna move forward with the (original) set up column shifter. Thank you for your time.
 
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